Harris supports “Dreamers” during town hall to appeal to Latino voters.
Las Vegas — Vice President Kamala Harris recently participated in a town hall event with Univision, where she discussed crucial issues such as immigration, the economy, and healthcare. Polls indicate that these topics are of paramount importance to the Latino voting bloc, and many attendees shared personal, emotional stories during the session.
One attendee, Jesus Aispuro, a first-time voter from California, raised concerns about protecting “Dreamers,” undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children. Harris reassured him that she would prioritize an immigration plan focusing on creating a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Responding to a case concerning DACA in a federal appeals court, Harris emphasized her unwavering support for Dreamers, advocating for legislation that would provide these young individuals with an earned pathway to citizenship.
Yvette Castillo, another attendee, shared a poignant moment with Harris as she highlighted their shared experience of losing their mothers. Castillo’s mother recently passed away without obtaining U.S. citizenship, prompting her to inquire about support for long-term immigrants living in the shadows.
Harris expressed her condolences to Castillo and drew attention to a previous bipartisan border bill that could have established a comprehensive pathway to citizenship for hard-working individuals. She underscored the need to prioritize solutions over politics to prevent tragedies similar to Castillo’s mother’s circumstances.
The Latino vote holds significant importance in Harris’ political journey, with recent polling indicating a more competitive landscape compared to the previous election cycle. Harris currently maintains an 18-point lead over former President Donald Trump, highlighting the critical role of Latino voters in the upcoming election.
Representative Robert Garcia of California emphasized the pivotal role of Latinos in the election, highlighting the narrow margins and undecided voters within the community. Town halls and engagements in states like Arizona are crucial for mobilizing Latino voters and influencing the election outcome.
During the town hall, Harris also criticized Trump for his actions, including reports of sending COVID tests to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the pandemic. She underscored the need for compassionate and responsible leadership during challenging times, highlighting efforts to address disparities in COVID-related deaths among minority communities.
One voter questioned Harris about Trump’s virtues, to which she acknowledged his love for family but declined to elaborate further due to limited personal interactions with him. The discussion on leadership qualities underscored the contrasting approaches towards governance and accountability.
Addressing concerns about hurricane response efforts, Harris emphasized the importance of factual information and collaboration with local authorities to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. She stressed the need to avoid political manipulations and highlighted ongoing efforts to support affected communities.
Transitioning to economic and healthcare issues, Harris acknowledged the challenges faced by the middle class, particularly regarding rising costs of living. She outlined her economic plan to address price gouging, provide tax credits for parents, and offer assistance to first-time homebuyers to alleviate financial burdens.
Responding to a query from Martha Rodriguez, a homeless woman with medical conditions, Harris emphasized the importance of accessibility and equality for disabled citizens. She advocated for policies that would protect individuals from medical debt affecting their financial well-being and underscored the need for inclusive opportunities across various sectors.
Harris’ engagement with voters highlighted the complex interplay of policy, personal narratives, and leadership qualities in shaping political discourse and decision-making. The town hall session served as a platform for addressing critical issues and fostering meaningful dialogue within the community.
